Analysis of economic determinants for households’ involvement in fishing for livelihoods in Masese fishing site

Abstract

The study explored the economic determinants for household’s involvement in fishing for livelihoods in Masese fishing site, the study specifically established a relationship among socioeconomic factors of residents at Masese landing site and participation in fishing activities. The study adopted a Cross – sectional research design whereby data is collected once from 120 respondents using a well – structured questionnaire. The primary data collected was analysed using STATA at three levels of analysis i.e descriptive statistics at Univariate, chi – square test statistic at bivariate a logistic regression was employed atmulitivariate analysis. At overwhelming majority (73.3%, n=88) of those participating in the fishing activities at Masese beach were male while only 26.7% were female, with over half of them participating in fishing activities for livelihood. Social demographic characteristics were found in significantly influence fisher’s participation into fishing activities i.e male respondents were found to take up key roles at the landing site such as active fishing and other roles were taken up by women like selling food staffs. The model results found out that Education level of the fishmongers is less likely increase participation of fishmongers in the fishing business. Similarly, the results reveals that monthly earnings resulting from engagement in fishing activities is more likely to increase participation of more fishmongers in the activity.

The findings of the study revealed that farmers with higher levels of education was able to integrate more farming activities with fish farming in order to enhance participation in fish farming. Removal of constraints and expansion of opportunities for integration together with desirable policy objectives which support multiple integration, strategies should be put in place.